Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure for removing unwanted hair and slowing down the process of regrowth. This technique uses the intense light beam of a laser to reach hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin. The follicles are disabled by the heat of the laser, eliminating existing hair and slowing the growth of new hair. Laser hair removal can be used on almost any part of the body. Areas which are popular candidates for hair removal include the upper lip, chin, bikini line, legs and armpits.
Using lasers for hair removal has become increasing popular in the dermatology community for over ten years and is now a commonly accepted form of treatment. Laser hair removal is approved by the FDA for permanent hair reduction. It's a popular form of treatment due to its speed and effectiveness. Using lasers for hair removal has become a widely used replacement for older treatments such as electrolysis, waxing, shaving and bleaching.
Who is Laser Hair Removal for?
Laser hair removal is ideal for people who have unwanted body hair. Key factors in the success of laser hair removal are hair color and skin type. People who have dark hair and light skin are most likely to have success with laser hair removal. People with darker skin may also have some success, but there are chances the treatment won't work if there is little contrast between the colors of skin and hair Blonde, white, light red and light brown hair are the most difficult to treat with laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal treatment is not guaranteed to permanently remove hair. It will slow hair regrowth and make it possible to have extended hair-free periods. These periods vary from several weeks to several years, depending on the individual. In general, very long-term hair removal is possible only through the administration of multiple laser treatments.
Using laser hair removal to treat ingrown hairs has been shown to be effective. This condition is also known as ‘shaving bumps' and occurs when hair which has been shaved curls back into the skin instead of growing straight out of the hair follicle. Skin inflammation may occur with this condition and there is a risk of infection. The condition can be a serious problem for people of African descent and people with curly hair. Laser hair removal treatment can bring welcome relief for the condition.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal focuses the energy of the laser on targeted hair follicles by heating dark matter in the shaft of the follicle. This dark matter, known as melanin, is what gives color to skin and hair. The melanin absorbs the heat of the laser, damaging the hair follicle in such a way that the hair will be removed and not regrow immediately. It's the lack of melanin in white, blonde and light colored hair that makes laser hair remove difficult.
Before a laser treatment is scheduled, the doctor who will administer the treatment should be consulted. The medical history of the patient is discussed, including any current conditions and medications. Photographs of the area to be treated may be taken for comparison when treatment is complete. The doctor will also discuss benefits, side effects and risks of the laser hair removal.
Laser treatment should take place in a doctor's office. Before the laser is activated, the patient is given eye goggles as a protection against the laser beam. The doctor or nurse will use a hand-held laser device. The device is pressed against the skin and pulses of laser are delivered. The device may also have a cooling tip to protect the skin from the heat of the laser. When the laser beam passed through the skin and comes in contact with hair follicles, the follicles are damaged or destroyed by the intense heat in the beam. To stop regrowth of the hair for an extended period, more than one treatment of the same area may be required.
Hair which is cut short but not shaved responds well to laser hair removal. Hair removal through electrolysis or plucking should be avoided prior to a laser treatment. After the laser treatment, exercise should be avoided for 24 hours since perspiration may cause skin irritation. Sun exposure and tanning booths should also be avoided for several weeks. Hair in the area shouldn't be waxed or plucked after treatment, and the treated area should be left alone to heal.
Many patients find the laser pulses to be painful, so a topical local anesthetic may be applied before treatment. Ice packs are sometimes used following treatment as well as over-the-counter pain medication. One of the benefits of laser hair removal treatment is that patients can immediately return a regular work schedule and normal activities.
How often is Treatment Recommended?
Studies have shown that for many people, laser hair removal can reduce unwanted hair by 20 to 90 percent. However, results vary from person to person and cannot always be predicted. Different areas of the body will have different rates of hair regrowth. Areas with thin skin, such as the bikini area or armpit, respond better to laser treatment and hair regrows more slowly than in areas with thicker skin, such as the back.
In many cases, multiple laser treatments will increase the period before hair regrowth occurs. For optimal results, treatment should be repeated 6 to 8 times, with about two months between treatments. Following this round of treatments, hair regrowth should be slowed. To sustain this effect, periodic maintenance treatments are recommended.
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects
When laser hair removal is performed by a trained medical professional, serious complications are rare. Bleeding and infection from laser treatment occur infrequently. Some of the side effects which occur in a small number of cases include hair which isn't removed completely or grows back after treatment. Changes to skin pigmentation may occur, including hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin). These conditions are usually temporary, though there are rare cases where the condition is long-lasting or permanent.
Blistering and scarring, changes in skin tone, and crusting and scabbing are rare side effects of laser hair removal. Patients with herpes simplex may experience outbreaks following treatment. After laser hair removal, hair may grow back finer and with a lighter color. Sometimes new hair may appear in areas of skin next to treated areas. Additional laser treatments are usually administered to remove the new hair growth.
Skin which is tanned from the sun or from tanning products must fade before laser hair removal treatment since tan skin is more likely to blister or become discolored. Exposure to the sun should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks before laser treatment to minimize tanning.
Who can Provide Laser Hair Removal
Seeking a board certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to perform laser hair removal is the best way to avoid possible risks. A doctor who is trained and experienced in laser hair removal will get the best results from the procedure. If the doctor suggests that an assistant or nurse administer treatment, then the doctor should be present and supervise. It's not recommended that laser hair removal be performed at a spa or clinic by non-medical individuals.
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